Episode 96 - Was Mansa Musa The Richest Person Ever?
History Is Sexy
Deep Dive
Why is Mansa Musa often considered the richest person in history?
Mansa Musa's wealth is often attributed to his vast gold reserves and his empire's control over key trade routes. His pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, where he famously distributed large amounts of gold, further cemented his reputation as incredibly wealthy. However, the exact figure of his wealth, often cited as $400 billion in today's money, lacks a clear historical source and is likely exaggerated.
What was the impact of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage on the economy of Cairo?
Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 caused significant economic disruption in Cairo. He distributed so much gold that it flooded the market, causing the price of gold to drop by about 10% in Egypt. This event is documented in multiple historical sources, including those by Al-Umari and Ibn Kathir.
How did Mansa Musa become the emperor of the Mali Empire?
Mansa Musa became emperor after his predecessor, Mansa Muhammad, disappeared during an expedition to explore the Atlantic Ocean. Muhammad had sent out 2,000 ships, but none returned, leading to Mansa Musa being appointed as regent. When Muhammad never returned, Mansa Musa assumed the throne.
What role did gold play in the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa?
Gold was the cornerstone of the Mali Empire's wealth and economy. Mansa Musa's empire controlled vast gold mines, and he famously told people that gold literally grew on trees, perpetuating the myth of inexhaustible wealth. This abundance of gold allowed him to be incredibly generous, both within his empire and during his pilgrimage to Mecca.
Why did Mansa Musa's generosity during his pilgrimage lead to problems upon his return?
Mansa Musa's excessive spending during his pilgrimage left him in significant debt. Upon his return, he had to borrow money at high interest rates and sell assets, including the palace given to him by the Egyptian sultan, to repay his debts. His generosity had depleted his resources, leading to financial difficulties.
What were some of the cultural contributions of Mansa Musa to the Mali Empire?
Mansa Musa invested heavily in education and culture, particularly in Timbuktu. He built the Grand Mosque and established a library with thousands of books and relics, attracting scholars and poets. This made Timbuktu a center of Islamic learning and jurisprudence during his reign.
How did Mansa Musa's relationship with the Egyptian sultan reflect his status as an emperor?
Mansa Musa refused to prostrate himself to the Egyptian sultan, Al-Nazir, asserting his own status as an equal ruler. While the sultan provided him with a palace and a robe of honor, Musa maintained his dignity by only prostrating to God, symbolizing his belief in his own imperial authority.
What challenges did Mansa Musa face during his return journey from Mecca?
Mansa Musa faced numerous challenges on his return journey, including getting lost, extreme cold, and losing 20% of his retinue to the elements and Bedouin kidnappings. Additionally, he was heavily indebted and had to sell assets to repay his debts, leading to a difficult and costly return to Mali.
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